Rep. Edcel Lagman resigns as House minority leader and Lakas member

Manila, Philippines – Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman resigned on Thursday, January 19, 2012 as House minority leader, as well as being the chairperson of the opposition Lakas-Kampi-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party.

Albay Rep. Edcel LagmanImage Credit: EdcelLagman.com.ph

According to local news that day, Lagman announced his resignation from the two positions to act an independent lawmaker, citing his differences with other minority lawmakers in his decision.

“Although (Quezon) Rep. Danilo Suarez has not garnered an incontestable absolute majority of minority members to replace me, I am resigning as Minority Leader to give way to former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo‘s anointed one.” Edcel Lagman wrote in his official website at EdcelLagman.com.ph.

“I cannot continue serving a political aggrupation which deliberately refuses to recognize competent, militant and responsible leadership and would opt to follow blindly the importuning of Mrs. Arroyo“, Lagman added.

“I will be an independent and will fiscalize the Aquino administration and continue to advocate progressive and alternative agenda.” The 69-year old Congressman explained further, noting that he will not transfer to the majority party.

Apparently, the two lawmakers had been locked in a power struggle, with Suarez contesting the leadership of Lagman, author of the controversial RH Bill, citing a term-sharing agreement in 2010.

Meanwhile, Lagman told reports that he will explain fully his resignation on Tuesday, 24 January 2012, before the plenary, with Rep. Danilo Suarez to replace him as House minority leader while Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. will be sitting as Lakas president.